'Nonsensical', SC dismisses plea alleging favoritism and bias on SC Registry in listing matters, imposes ₹100 cost on petitioner

On Monday, the Apex Court has dismissed a petition alleging SC Registry of bias and favourtism in listing of the matters .

The petitioner has accussed the Registry Department of adoption of a 'pick and choose' policy and of giving preference to influential advocates in listings not only occassionaly but routinely.

During the hearing today, the Bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra dismissed the petition filed while imposing a fine of Rs 100 on the petitioner, Adv Reepak Kansal.

In his pleas, he had sought a direction to its Secretary General & Registrar/officers in 'not to give preferences to cases filed by influential lawyers/petitioners'. He further alleged that the Section officers and/or Registry of Supreme Court routinely gives preferences to some law firms and influential advocates for reasons 'best known to them'. 

"This is discrimination and against equal opportunity to get justice in this Hon'ble Court", he states.

The plea further contended,

"There is no procedure was followed by the Registry i.e. filing application for urgent hearing or letter etc which was necessary for the urgent listing of the cases during nation lock down."

The bench comprising of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice Abdul Nazeer and Justice M R Shah had took up this petition on 19th June previoulsy. The Court took serious objections to the allegations raised by him that the SC Registry was showing discrimination and undue preferences in the matter of listing of all cases.

The petitioner also mentioned that seeing this discriminatory practice adopted by the Registry and after failing to get his petition listed despite a letter of urgency on record annexed with the petition and he then complained to Secretary General of the Top Court via email but received 'no response.'

The Court during the 19th June hearing, stated orally:

"How can you compare your Petition on One Nation One Ration Card to the plea of Arnab Goswami? What was the urgency? Why are you saying nonsensical things? All members of registry work day and night to make your life easier. You are demoralising them. How can you say such things?"

"Because, the Respondent no. 2/ Filing Section take several days to check / point out the defects if, it is filed by an ordinary petitioner or lawyers and list the cases within few minutes by ignoring the defects / procedure if, it is filed by any influential lawyer or petitioner"